Don was born in Odessa, TX, and lived his teenage years in Anadarko, OK. While attending Oklahoma State University, he was an agricultural major and president of the dairy club. His first job was at Farm Fresh Dairy in Ponca City, Oklahoma. An opportunity with Ecolab relocated the family to Olathe, KS, where he spent his remaining years.
Lovingly known as Papa & Papaw Don, he finished the race of life on Saturday, January 28th after a brief, brave battle with an aggressive lung cancer.
He loved nearly every outdoor activity but was especially famous for floating for hours in the lake teaching kids to ski. He was always the captain, whether it was on the softball field, the helm of his boat, or giving a "garage talk". In retirement, he paddle boarded nearly every summer day and had taken up running. He recently competed in the Dallas Spartan Sprint Race and the Williams Route 66 5K. He had planned to race again, but "it had to be in warm weather".
Dad gained his heavenly wings with his family praying around him.
Don is survived by his wife, Paula G. Ledbetter, of over 50 years, daughter, Hallie (Brandon) Riffey of Pratt, KS; daughter, Emmy and (Rory) Childers of Tulsa, OK; grandchildren: Maddox, Hayden, Cara, Eva Riffey & Copper Grace, Sunny Louise Childers; brother Danny Ledbetter; nephews Lanny & Laddan Ledbetter; the Novotny brothers in law and sister in law Lynda, whom he considered brothers and sisters as they have been close since the age of 15. He is also survived by many cousins that loved him from the Ledbetter & Watson side of the family. He was preceded in death by parents Eva Grace and Elzie Ledbetter.
A celebration of life is being planned, and details will be forthcoming. We thank everyone who has supported and comforted us during this time. We have lost our rock but will continue with his legacy. We love you dad, we will have a surf session in your memory.
In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to the Pomona Lake Ski Club, PO Box 73, Vassar, KS 66543, or the Pratt County 4-H Foundation, 824 W First St., Pratt, KS 67124.
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